Susan Campbell: Bishop Eddie Long Is Not Coming To Bloomfield's First Cathedral

Susan Campbell

Long, an outspoken critic of homosexuality who faces lawsuits from four young men who say he coerced them to have sex, was planning a trip to Bloomfield as late as Wednesday of last week, but is no longer on the roster, according to the Rev. Leroy Bailey, of First Cathedral.

Long denies the allegations, and on Sunday, he said that he would "fight and fight vigorously" the allegations. Members of his church appear to be standing by him, but last week, Roy Barnes, Georgia's Democratic gubernatorial candidate, canceled a fundraiser involving the pastor, and Long, himself, canceled a news conference and a radio interview, as well. He made his first public statement about the lawsuits in his Sunday sermon. Before the sermon, however, Long released a statement that said:

I have been through storms and my faith has always sustained me. I am anxious to respond directly to these false allegations and I will do so. However, my lawyers have counseled patience at this time. But let me be clear; the charges against me and New Birth are false. I have devoted my life to helping others and these false allegations hurt me deeply. But my faith is strong and the truth will emerge. All I ask is for your patience as we continue to categorically deny each and every one of these ugly charges. Finally, as I have done for thousands of others over my decades of preaching, I ask for your prayers for me, my family and our church. On Sunday, at New Birth, I will respond to my congregation.

On Wednesday, Long's website showed a planned visit to First Cathedral in Bloomfield as part of their Covenant Conference Revival. A phone call to the church confirmed that he would speak, but on Friday, the Rev. Bailey called the Courant to say Long would not be speaking.

You can read one of the lawsuits here. Pay attention to Count 41, which concerns an event allegedly took place in Connecticut. And thanks, Lawrence, for your help on this.